Since the gentlemen, nevertheless, can only by the aid of publicity show any proof of their industry and their good behavior,—a proof which they must have to show to their superiors,—I quietly wait until things come to me, and communicate to my readers only what is worth their knowing.
If such a man as Mr. Stead complains that nothing is told him, you will easily comprehend that men who are not accustomed to be received by the Tsar feel somewhat cool toward the actions of diplomacy.
All this will not prevent me from joyously recognizing even the slightest advance toward better things made during the deliberations of the Congress, but I consider my paper and my readers too good to snap up the crumbs that may fall from the news table of the Congress.
I trust that you will be able to appreciate this attitude of an independent and liberal newspaper, and that you will not, after this statement, find anything strange in our position.
With the expression of the most especial consideration I have the honor of remaining
Yours most sincerely
Dr. Artur Levysohn
An unwarranted standpoint. Events of the day have to be communicated by the press in accordance with their significance and entirely apart from the sensibilities of the journalists. Consideration for the public must turn the scale.
To-day the bathing season and the Kurhaus at Scheveningen were opened. Herr von Bloch invited us to a dinner at the Kurhaus. Among those present were the journalists, Dillon and Dr. Frischauer. He tells us, from information communicated to him by Professor Martens, that the principle of mediation has been incorporated into the text of the Convention; especially the duty of neutral states to offer “good offices” at the threat of war or after the outbreak of hostilities, and this henceforth shall never be regarded as an “unfriendly act.” Count Nigra is to be thanked for this last paragraph.
June 2. Dr. Frischauer takes his departure. He comes to say good-by to us, and authorizes me to send to the Neue Freie Presse in the form of telegrams and letters everything interesting that may happen.